It sounds like a crazy thesis, but it's possible that the Boston Celtics will improve with Rajon Rondo out for the season with an ACL tear. Though he's immensely talented, the effort isn't there from night to night.

Rondo performs at a different level for the national audience than against lower-tier teams on League Pass. The lack of consistency has helped cause a disappointing Celtics season.

Also, the Celtics are a bottom-third offensive team. It's conceivable that, without a point guard, Boston might actually wring some offense from its other components. Then again, the Celtics could go from bad to worse.